Friends of China Camp

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-06-24 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Wednesday, June 24 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Naturalist's Bookclub: The Enduring Wild
2026-06-27 19:00 - 20:00
In this month’s book, The Enduring Wild, author Josh Jackson takes us on a California road trip to discover the stories behind our state’s sprawling public lands. Jackson’s journey spans thousands of miles, crisscrossing the Golden State to seek out the 15 million acres overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. The journey takes us from the North Coast shores of the King Range south to the Mojave Desert. Jackson tells of the indigenous people who called these lands home for millennia, and of the current mining and other extractive threats to BLM areas. Jackson also spotlights the grassroots organizers and political champions who have rallied to defend BLM lands, and to uphold the radical mandate to protect these natural treasures for generations to come.
Registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Sunday, June 27
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: virtual event; login details sent with confirmed reservation
Cost: free to FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

FULL MOON HIKE: Strawberry Moon
2026-06-28 19:00 - 21:30
Whether it rises on a clear night, with its reflection glistening in the bay below, or if it plays hide and seek with strands of fog, the full moon always takes our breath away at China Camp. This month, we’ll watch the ascent of the Strawberry Moon, named for its timing at the height of strawberry season.
FOCC naturalist Harold Hirsch will lead you on a vigorous hike to a special spot, where you’ll watch the moon peek above the East Bay hills, then ascend into the night sky—the first full moon of summer. On the hike back, Harold will keep his eyes peeled for interesting nocturnal creatures, like scorpions.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Sunday, June 28
Time: 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: moderately strenuous (3.5-mile round-trip hike, with 500-foot ascent)
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
REGISTER NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-06-30 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Tuesday, June 30 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-07-08 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Wednesday, July 8 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

CANCELLED: SPECIAL EVENT: Night sky summer spectacular
2026-07-11 20:30 - 21:30
11 a.m., 7/11: This event has been canceled due to the forecast for cloudy skies this evening.

As ancient as it is stunning and mysterious, the night sky is surely one of humanity’s oldest sources of wonder. Join Kathryn Daskal, a retired ranger for the National Park Service, to explore the resplendent night sky on a dark, moonless night. Kathryn will delve into the science of astronomy, and reflect upon diverse cultural perspectives on what we see in the night sky. No telescopes or other equipment will be needed for this stargazing experience—just bring your sharp eyes and a keen sense of wonder. The program site provides limited seating at picnic tables. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on the ground.
“Astronomy compels the soul to look upward and leads us from this world to another.”
—Plato
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Saturday, July 11
Time: 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: China Camp Point
Cost: free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: all ages welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-07-16 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Special Brown-Bag Lunch Day: After our work morning, bring your own lunch for an informal gathering with fellow volunteers at China Camp Village. Cold drinks provided by Friends of China Camp.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Thursday, July 16 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

BIRDING WALK: Shorebird migration
2026-07-18 08:00 - 10:00
July is one of the most anticipated months for shorebird migration. Along China Camp Beach, we’ll be on the lookout for assorted shorebirds, such as marbled godwits (shown here), plus belted kingfishers and Western and least sandpipers.
We’ll also be on the lookout for a variety of duck species, as well as gulls, which can be challenging to identify. Juvenile gull plumage changes over a five-year period, often progressing through mottled brown and black patterns before reaching full adult coloration.
If time allows, we’ll head for the slopes above the village, prime habitat for smaller birds, including dark-eyed juncos, California towhees, Bewick’s wrens, and Anna’s hummingbirds.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Saturday, July 18
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: China Camp Village museum
Difficulty: moderately strenuous (up to 2 miles walking, including an inclined portion on paved roadway)
Cost: free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 10 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

SPECIAL SATURDAY Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-07-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Biscayne Drive at N. San Pedro Rd., 14-24 Biscayne Drive, San Rafael, 94901, United States
Do something special this Saturday. Join other dedicated volunteers like you to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildlife in China Camp State Park. This event, cosponsored by the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF), will focus on fire-fuel reduction, removing invasive weeds and dead vegetation. No special skills needed; just bring your can-do spirit and your desire to help.
These fire mitigation events are some of the most important work days at China Camp, offering a chance to help the park and meet like-minded volunteers, and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire to surrounding communities.
Come enjoy a great day at China Camp, which absolutely depends on volunteers like you. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a filled water bottle. (Please leave pets at home.) For more details, and to register, visit the CSPF website.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Date: Saturday, July 18
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: intersection of Biscayne Drive and N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael
Difficulty: easy to moderately strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-07-22 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Wednesday, July 22 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

JUNIOR RANGERS: Nature ramble for little ones
2026-07-25 10:30 - 11:30
Is your pint-size explorer always turning over rocks, making discoveries, and asking questions? Then he or she will love this mini-adventure, a kid-friendly ramble around our campground. Along the way, we will keep an eye out for baby animals and their homes, such as white-tailed deer fawns and turkey chicks, and other cool stuff, like the remarkable stick nests of dusky-footed wood rats. Kids will learn why parks are so important for protecting wildlife and native plants—a great way to inspire curiosity and conservation in our next generation. The event will end with an official Junior Ranger ceremony, with participants receiving a special badge and a stamp in a California State Parks Junior Ranger workbook.
Date: Saturday, July 25
Time: 10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground
Difficulty: easy, (up to 1-mile walk on mostly flat ground)
Cost: free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 7 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

CAMPFIRE PROGRAM: The story of China Camp
2026-07-25 19:30 - 20:30
Join a lively, engaging, and interactive presentation about the history of China Camp. As a program participant, you’ll get the chance to join in the fun, taking on a speaking role as part of the experience.
Bring your own fixings for s’mores after the presentation (we’ll bring stakes for roasting marshmallows) and settle in for a memorable evening by the campfire. And if you’ve never visited the park at night, this is a great way to experience the magic of our beautiful campground after dark.
Drop in event, no need to register
Date: Saturday, July 25
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground amphitheater
Cost: free to FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 6 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

NATURALIST BOOKCLUB: Other Minds
2026-07-26 19:00 - 20:00
In this month’s fascinating book, Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness, author Peter Godfrey-Smith tells a bold new story of how subjective experience crept into being—how nature became aware of itself. The book’s story largely occurs in the ocean, where animals first appeared. Tracking the mind’s fitful development, and focusing on octopuses and other cephalopods, Godfrey-Smith ponders big questions: What kind of intelligence do these animals possess? And how did the octopus, a solitary creature with little social life, become so smart? We’ll discuss these questions and more as we share this engaging book.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Sunday, July 26
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: virtual event; details sent with confirmed reservation
Cost: free to FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 10 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-07-28 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Tuesday, July 28 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

FULL MOON HIKE: The Buck Moon
2026-07-29 19:30 - 22:15
Join us for this popular China Camp hike to catch the monthly moonrise. This month’s full moon, named because it rises in the season when male deer are just starting to show off their velvet-covered antlers, will hopefully be a summer stunner (if it’s not fogged out).
Starting our hike at dusk, we’ll climb the ridge above the Ranger Station, we’ll be on the lookout for the park’s numerous bucks. Once darkness falls, we’ll look to the east toward Mt. Diablo to watch the Buck Moon rise, casting a glow across the bay. On our way back down, we will keep our eyes peeled for nocturnal creatures, such as coyotes and (cross your fingers) owls.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Wednesday, July 29
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: moderately strenuous (3½-mile round-trip hike with moderate inclines)
Cost: free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 10 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

SPECIAL EVENT: Night sky summer spectacular
2026-08-01 20:30 - 21:30
As ancient as it is stunning and mysterious, the night sky is surely one of humanity’s oldest sources of wonder. Join Kathryn Daskal, a retired ranger for the National Park Service, to explore the resplendent night sky on a dark, moonless night. Kathryn will delve into the science of astronomy, and reflect upon diverse cultural perspectives on what we see in the night sky. No telescopes or other equipment will be needed for this stargazing experience—just bring your sharp eyes and a keen sense of wonder. The program site provides limited seating at picnic tables. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on the ground.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Saturday, August 1
Time: 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: China Camp Point
Cost: free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: all ages welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-08-04 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Tuesday, August 4 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

GREAT WORKOUT: Secret redwoods of China Camp
2026-08-08 09:00 - 12:00
Get your heart pumping on this spectacular climb to one of the park’s least visited corners, a soaring stand of coast redwoods near the crest of San Pedro Ridge. Along the way, hike leader Harriot Manley will point out all kinds of cool finds and share interesting info about China Camp’s natural and human history. Once we reach the secret—and beautiful—stand of redwoods, we’ll have a chance to relax in the cool shade, and learn more about the redwood ecosystem and history in the park and surrounding region. We’ll enjoy a brisk walk back to the trailhead.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Saturday, August 8
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: Back Ranch Meadows kiosk
Difficulty: challenging (4-mile loop hike, with a steady climb and some brief steeper sections)
Cost: free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 12 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

Campfire Program: Love potions, leprechauns, and s'mores
2026-08-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Back Ranch Meadows Campground
What is the link between lupine and wolves, or yarrow and Achilles? What do teasel weed, wool, and love potions have in common? What binds woodbine and leprechauns, or bracken fern and invisibility? During this special evening presentation at our campground amphitheater we’ll share stories about the legends and lore of some of the native and introduced plants that grow at China Camp.
After the presentation, come together around the campfire to roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and watch the stars come out overhead.
No registration required; just show up! Cancellation posted on website.

Date: Saturday, August 8
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground amphitheater
Difficulty: easy, (up to 3/4-mile walk on mostly flat ground)
Cost: free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 7 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-08-12 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Special Brown-Bag Lunch Day: After our work morning, bring your own lunch for an informal gathering with fellow volunteers at China Camp Village. Cold drinks provided by Friends of China Camp.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Wednesday, August 12 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

BIRDING WALK: Getting ready for fall
2026-08-15 08:00 - 10:00
August is a season of transition: nesting has ended, fledglings are taking to the air, and migrants—half of the bird population—are feeding furiously and building fat reserves before beginning their journey south to warmer climates. It’s a great time of year to see a broad spectrum of birds in the park, and there will be plenty of busy bird activity for us to observe. Your guide Jerry Coe will review the four keys to identifying birds: overall size and shape, overall color, behavior, and habitat.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Saturday, August 15
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trail trailhead
Difficulty: easy; mostly flat, 1.5-mile walk
Cost: free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 7 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-08-20 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Thursday, August 20 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Heritage Day Festival
2026-08-22 11:00 - 15:00 | China Camp Village, 100 China Camp Village Rd, San Rafael, CA, CA, 94901, United States
China Camp’s signature festival is back! Watch the historic China Camp Village come alive with thunderous drumming, shimmering costumes, and the wide smiles of Chinese lions. Snack on steamed buns, play mahjong, and enjoy performances of traditional music. Kids’ activities include building toy boats and making dragon kites—perfect for our breezy shoreline.
This event is made possible by Friends of China Camp, the Marin Chinese Cultural Association, the Redwood Empire Chinese Cultural Association, California State Parks, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park.
All events and activities will take place at China Camp’s historic village.
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Ongoing activities: toy-boat and paper-kite making, Chinese games for all, exhibit by local organizations such as CA State Parks and Marin History Museum, delicious food and drink.

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-08-26 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Wednesday, August 26 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

FULL MOON HIKE: The Sturgeon Moon
2026-08-28 18:45 - 21:30
Here’s your chance to take part in an unforgettable evening experience: watching the full moon rise above the bay from an exclusive vantage point at China Camp. This month’s celestial showstopper is called the Sturgeon Moon, a name derived from Algonquin and other tribes in the Northeastern U.S., who knew that this month’s full moon marked the best time of year to catch freshwater sturgeon. (In the salty bay waters off China Camp, we also have sturgeon, but typically their peak season is later in the fall.)
Starting our hike at dusk, we’ll climb through the oak and bay laurel woodlands, keeping our eyes peeled for bats, owls, and other creatures of the night. From our viewpoint, we’ll watch the Sturgeon Moon rise, casting a glow across the bay.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Friday, August 28
Time: 6:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: moderately strenuous (3.5-mile round-trip hike, with 500-foot ascent)
Cost: free to FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 10 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

NATURALIST BOOKCLUB: How Flowers Made Our World
2026-08-30 19:00 - 20:00
After reading this month’s book club pick you may never look at a bouquet the same way again. In How Flowers Made Our World DavidHaskell gives us a fascinating read, shedding light on the importance of flowers and their role as key architects of our planet’s ecology.
From the publisher’s website:
“We live on a floral planet, yet flowers don’t get the credit they deserve. We admire them for their aesthetics, not their power. In this examination of the role flowers played in creating the world we know today, David George Haskell observes, smells, and studies flowers such as magnolias, orchids, and roses, as well as fascinating but less celebrated flowers such as seagrasses and tea to show us what we’ve been missing.”
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Sunday, August 30
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: virtual event (login details sent with confirmed registration)
Cost: free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 10 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-09-03 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Thursday, September 3 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-09-12 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Saturday, September 12 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-09-16 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Special Brown-Bag Lunch Day: After our work morning, bring your own lunch for an informal gathering with fellow volunteers at China Camp Village. Cold drinks provided by Friends of China Camp.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Wednesday, September 16 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-09-22 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Tuesday, September 22 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
